7.0 magnitude earthquake devastates Haiti
By Jennifer Browning
Just before 5 p.m. Tuesday, an earthquake with a magnitude estimated at 7.0 struck 10 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince leaving most the country in rubble. The Associated Press reported that parts of Haiti’s National Palace collapsed. There are also reports saying that a hospital in Pétionville, a hillside district of the capitol, collapsed. The United Nations reported late this evening that their headquarters were severely damaged and people were missing.
The worst earthquake in the region in more than 200 years leaves Port-au-Prince in darkness tonight. The New York Times reported that electricity is out, telephones are not working and relief workers struggled to make their way through streets blocked by rubble.
Project Medishare is gathering reports from Haiti and monitoring events. An emergency medical team is currently being assembled and will be placed on standby if needed.
Executive Director Ellen Powers said contact has been made with staff in Thomonde and early reports are that everyone is safe.
Regular updates will be posted here on the blog as Project Medishare’s response plans develop.